Dog food is one of the most debated topics in dog ownership. Ask a vet, a nutritionist, a behaviourist, or even the TV adverts, and you’ll get different answers! With so many opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
But here’s the good news: I’m not here to tell you exactly what you should feed your dog or make you feel bad for your current choices. Instead, I’ll share five key considerations to help you make informed decisions about your dog’s diet.
Watch on You Tube https://youtu.be/bcqe1QOlenc
At the end of this post, I’ll also share what I feed my own dogs—so stick around for that!
1. What Is Dog Food, Really?
Let’s be honest—dog food is a convenience product for humans. For most of history, dogs ate what we ate. It wasn’t until Spratt’s Dog Cakes (the first commercial dog food) hit the market that feeding dogs became a business.
While convenience is great, not all dog foods are created equal. Many commercial brands bulk up their food with unnecessary fillers, carbs, and artificial additives, which may not provide the best nutrition. That’s why it’s worth looking beyond the marketing and checking what’s really in your dog’s food.
2. Variety is Key – Dogs Thrive on a Diverse Diet
Imagine eating the same meal every day for years—boring, right? The same goes for dogs. A varied diet is not only more enjoyable but also essential for gut health and behaviour.
Inside your dog’s stomach is a microbiome—a colony of beneficial bacteria. This microbiome thrives on diverse, high-quality foods, supporting digestion, immune health, and even behaviour. A well-balanced gut = a happy, healthy dog!
Tip: If your dog has been eating the same food for years, try slowly introducing new ingredients like fresh meats, fish, or veggies.
3. The Power of Vegetables
Vegetables are incredibly beneficial for dogs, yet many owners never think to include them in their dog’s diet. Fresh veggies provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre.
✅ Best veggies for dogs:
Leafy greens (spinach, kale, cabbage) – Packed with vitamins A, C, and K
Carrots & pumpkin – Great for digestion and low-calorie treats
Broccoli & cauliflower – Boosts immune health but should be given in small amounts
💡 Fun fact: A study found that replacing just 25% of kibble with fresh green vegetables twice a week significantly reduced the risk of cancer in dogs.
4. Foods to Avoid – Toxic Foods for Dogs
Some human foods are highly toxic to dogs. Even a small amount can cause serious health issues.
🚫 Never feed your dog:
Chocolate – Contains theobromine, which is toxic to dogs
Onions – Can cause serious blood cell damage
Grapes & raisins – Can lead to kidney failure
Artificial sweeteners (Xylitol) – Common in sugar-free products and highly toxic
If you’re ever unsure, always check before feeding your dog something new. The book The Forever Dog is a great resource for canine nutrition.
5. Understanding Different Types of Dog Food
There are pros and cons to every type of dog food. Let’s break it down:
🐶 Kibble (Dry Food)
✅ Convenient, long shelf life
❌ Highly processed, often full of carbs
🥩 Raw Food
✅ Less processed, more natural nutrients
❌ Needs proper storage & careful balancing
🥘 Wet Food (Tins/Pouches)
✅ Higher moisture content, often tastier
❌ Can contain preservatives, shorter shelf life
🍲 Freshly Cooked Food
✅ High-quality, minimally processed
❌ Can be expensive & requires freezer space
No matter what you choose, quality ingredients matter most. If you're buying commercial food, look for brands with high meat content and minimal fillers.
A great UK-based resource for comparing dog foods is AllAboutDogFood.co.uk. It breaks down the nutritional quality of different brands.
What Do I Feed My Dogs?
For convenience, I use Butternut Box, a freshly cooked food delivery service. It’s balanced, nutritious, and my dogs love it!
For variety, I also cook homemade meals using carefully researched recipes from The Forever Dog Life book.
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Final Thoughts – Take Control of Your Dog’s Diet
Your dog has no control over what they eat—that’s completely up to you! Whatever you choose to feed, make sure it’s informed, balanced, and suited to your dog’s needs.
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